1 Samuel 20:1-42
Summary: King Saul presents a case study in the deadly sin of envy–not merely coveting David’s success but hating him for it. We ought to expect the same (and even moreso) of Jonathan in whose place David will eventually take over the throne of Israel. Instead we find one of the most beautiful and devoted friendships in all of scripture. By God’s grace, Jonathan had learned not only to accept, but to embrace God’s plan–regardless of how much or how little glory that would mean for him. This too is the secret to beating back the corrosive sin of envy in our own lives: seeking first the Kingdom of God and embracing whatever role and gifts he’s given us to make much of the glory of Christ.